What is Food Safety Day?

Did you know that there are more than 200 different diseases that are caused by unsafe food – food containing harmful bacteria, parasites, viruses, chemical substances? Or that there are estimated to be more than two million deaths from contaminated drinking water every year? That food safety can be compromised on every level of food production – from farm, to factory, to store to table? Or finally, that every year, more and more food related diseases and viruses are showing to be immune to vaccines and treatment?

If you’re surprised or concerned about any of the above information, you’re not alone. Food safety is a global concern of such magnitude that the World Health Organization (WHO) had elected this year’s World Health Day (WHD) focus to be on global food safety. “The day focuses on demonstrating the importance of food safety along the whole length of the food chain in a globalised world, from production and transport, to preparation and consumption,” says the WHO.

What is Food Safety Day?

The Food Safety campaign extends past a single day (which marks the creation of the World Health Organization in 1948) and aims to encourage global governing bodies to improve food safety practices and awareness through public campaigns, and to empower consumer to be their own food safety advocates by examining what is on their plate.

This information isn’t meant to scare you! On the contrary, it’s intended to empower you to make the best choices for you and your family. The most effective way to ensure food safety, at home and abroad, is by knowing what you eat. Read the labels on your food. Check out ingredients and be aware of “danger foods” or ingredients known to cause disease. Know how to properly handle and prepare foods (especially raw meat, cheese or poultry). Most importantly, be an advocate for healthy eating in your family and you community.

Want more? Lifeway is committed to being a resource that not only provides you with healthy, nutritionally complete kefir, but with the resources and information you need to live your healthiest life. Want to know about current health food trends? Check out our Healthy Ingredient Spotlights to get the scoop. Need some new seasonal recipes? Look to our recipe archive. Have a question? Drop us a line! As with any packaged food you purchase, don’t hesitate to reach out to us with questions regarding our kefir, our processes and our commitments to sustainability and healthy living. We’d love to hear from you – really!